The Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal: A comprehensive guide to the D8 Visa
Navigating the D8-Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa provides remote workers and freelancers from non-EU countries a pathway to residency in Portugal. This visa type allows digital nomads to work remotely while experiencing life in a welcoming, scenic country that boasts community and connectivity for like-minded professionals.
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, classified as a Type D national visa, grants residency for at least one year. This allows professionals to explore life by the ocean, connect with other digital nomads, and enjoy the flexibility of working remotely while broadening their career horizons. With Portugal’s diverse landscape and robust digital infrastructure, remote workers can carry on with their careers from virtually anywhere in the country.
This guide covers the essential requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa and some prime destinations for remote work in Portugal.
Key highlights include:
- Income Threshold: Starting at €3,280, monthly. One of the lowest in Europe.
- Stay Duration: Minimum of one year with options for renewal.
- Lifestyle: Embrace Portugal’s flexible work environment, explore diverse destinations, and connect with like-minded professionals.
- Visa-Free Schengen Access: Immediate freedom to travel within the Schengen zone.
- Citizenship: Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after five years.
Table of Contents:
- Types: Kinds of Digital Nomad Visa
- Benefits: Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa
- Eligibility: Qualifying for the Digital Nomad Visa
- Requirements: Prerequisites of the Digital Nomad Visa
- Application Process: Steps to get the Digital Nomad Visa
- Top Destinations: The Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Portugal
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Nomad Visa
- Contact Us: Expertise You Can Count On
Types: Kinds of Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal has introduced two visa options to cater to the growing remote work trend:
Long-Term Visa (Type D8):
Known as the Residency Visa, this option provides a path to long-term residence in Portugal.
- Validity: Initially valid for four months, with eligibility to apply for a two-year residency permit upon entering Portugal.
- Renewable: The residency permit can be renewed for an additional three years.
- Income Requirement: Monthly income must be at least €3,280.
- Accommodation: A minimum one-year lease agreement is required.
- Police Clearance: A clean criminal record is necessary.
- Health Insurance: Required for the first 4 months, with a coverage of at least €30,000 and repatriation. After 4 months, the residency permit will grant access to the Portuguese healthcare system.
- Family Reunification: Family members are eligible to join the applicant.
This visa is tailored for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely and want to make Portugal their home while working for employers based elsewhere.
Temporary Stay Visa (Type ER):
Allows a 12-month stay in Portugal, though it does not permit residency.
- Validity: 12 months.
- Renewable: Renewable up to four times, for a total of five years.
- Income Requirement: Monthly income must be at least €3,280
- Accommodation: A minimum one-year lease agreement is required.
- Police Clearance: A clean criminal record is necessary.
- Health Insurance: Required for the duration of the visa, with a coverage of at least €30,000 and repatriation.
- Family Reunification: Family members are not eligible to join the applicant on this visa.
The Temporary Stay Visa is ideal for non-EU/EEA citizens who can meet the income requirements but are not seeking long-term residency.
Benefits: Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa
Low Income Threshold
Applicants need to meet a monthly income threshold of approximately €3,280, which is competitive compared to other countries’ remote work visa income thresholds. Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa is more affordable than other countries’ digital nomad or long-term residency visas. This includes lower fees and generally lower living costs.
Residency and Pathway to Citizenship
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visas (D8 & ER) allow digital nomads to live in Portugal for at least a year, with the option to renew the visa for up to five years. After five years, D8 visa holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency or even citizenship, providing a longer-term option for those who fall in love with the country and wish to settle permanently.
Extensive Travel Benefits
The Digital Nomad Visa automatically registers you in the Schengen Area’s central system, allowing you to travel freely within the Schengen Zone, which includes 27 European countries. This freedom to travel is invaluable for digital nomads who prefer a flexible lifestyle, providing easy access to a variety of European cultures, landscapes, and business opportunities. After obtaining Portuguese citizenship, holders gain visa-free access to 189 destinations worldwide.
Potential Tax Benefits
Digital nomads can, in some circumstances, apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program or the Incentivized Tax Status Program (ITS), offering significant tax advantages, such as a reduced flat tax rate on foreign income or, in some cases, tax exemptions for up to 10 years. Even outside the NHR and ITS programs, Portugal’s tax rates for residents can be more favourable compared to other EU countries, allowing digital nomads to retain more of their earnings while legally residing in the country.
Eligibility for Dependents
Main applicants may extend their Digital Nomad Visa benefits to family members. Eligible family members include spouses, minor children, and financially dependent children over 18, making it ideal for families or couples working remotely.
Emphasis on Work-Life Balance
Portuguese culture places a high value on maintaining a work-life balance, which aligns well with the remote work ethos. This balance encourages a fulfilling and productive lifestyle, promoting both career success and personal well-being. Furthermore, Portugal has a high-quality healthcare system, accessible to residents at relatively low costs, contributing to an overall high quality of life for digital nomads who choose to make Portugal their temporary or permanent home.
Ideal Lifestyle for Remote Workers
Mild Climate: Portugal’s warm climate and abundant sunshine make it an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor activities and good weather year-round.
Affordable Living: The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in other Western European countries, offering a comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost in cities like Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve.
Thriving Digital Nomad Community: Portugal is home to a vibrant community of digital nomads, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. This growing population creates opportunities for networking, collaboration, and social engagement among remote workers.
Rich Culture and Leisure Options: With its historic cities, scenic coastlines, and a rich array of cultural activities, Portugal provides ample opportunities for cultural enrichment and diverse leisure pursuits outside of work hours.
High English Proficiency: English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among younger generations, making it easier for foreigners to communicate and settle into the community.
Eligibility: Qualifying for the Digital Nomad Visa
Nationalities
The Digital Nomad Visa is open to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals.
Basic Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a clean criminal record from both their home country and Portugal.
Family Members
The main applicant can extend the visa benefits to family members through a family reunification process. Eligible dependents include the spouse, minor children, adult dependent children, and parents aged 65 or older. Legal documentation must be presented to prove relationships for all family members included.
Sufficient Funds
Minimum qualifying funds must be shown by the main applicant to prove that they can support themselves (and their family) during their stay in Portugal.
Requirements: Prerequisites of the Digital Nomad Visa
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability with a monthly income of €3,280, increasing by €410 for a spouse and €246 for each dependent child. Additionally, the applicant must have savings of €9,840, equivalent to 12 months of the Portuguese minimum wage of €820. Increasing by 50% (€4,920) for a spouse and 25% (€2,460) per dependent. Proof of income over the previous six months and proof of savings is necessary, typically via bank statements.
Proof of Remote Work
To qualify for any Digital Nomad Visa (D8 or ER), you must prove that your work is remote and not based in Portugal.
Employees: provide an employment contract from a foreign company that specifies your remote role and salary.
Freelancers: provide contracts with non-Portuguese clients, including work scope and payment terms, along with evidence of multiple clients if possible.
Business Owner: provide proof of ownership, business registration outside Portugal, and income records, confirming remote management.
All documents should clearly demonstrate income stability and independence from the Portuguese economy.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance is required for the Digital Nomad Visa
For the D8 Visa: Health Insurance is required for the first 4 months, with a coverage of at least €30,000 and repatriation. After 4 months, the residency permit will grant access to the Portuguese healthcare system.
For the ER (Temporary Stay) Visa: Health Insurance is required for the duration of the visa, with a coverage of at least €30,000 and repatriation.
Portuguese Address
The main applicant must provide proof of having acquired a residence address in Portugal.
Documentation Required
Applicants must provide a range of documents, including:
- A Valid Passport
- Passport-sized photos
- A declaration outlining reasons for moving to Portugal
- Health insurance with coverage in the entire Schengen area based on the type of visa (D8 or ER)
- Criminal record certificate
- NIF Registration Certificate: A Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
- Proof of legal residency if applying from outside of your home country
- Proof of Remote Work, contract or partnership agreement confirming your remote employment.
- Proof of Accommodation
- Proof of Sufficient Finances in Portugal
- Proof of Remote Income meeting the threshold (€3,280 monthly plus dependents).
Legalizing and Translating Documents
Documents issued by non-Portuguese entities must be legalized, with an apostille if applicable. Documents not in Portuguese must be translated and notarized.
Application Process: Steps to get the Digital Nomad Visa
Obtain a NIF and a NISS
Getting both a Portuguese NIF (Tax Identification Number) and NISS (Social Security Identification Number) is usually quick, and a legal representative can obtain one for you if you’re not in Portugal.
Securing Accommodation
Adequate housing is required for the application. Renting or purchasing property in Portugal fulfils this requirement.
Gather Necessary Documents
Next, collect all required documents for both yourself and any dependents. Common documents include identification, a clean criminal record certificate, proof of health insurance, and proof of residence. Many of these will need to be translated, notarized, and certified. Working with a Digital Nomad Visa advisor can simplify this part by providing checklists and guidance.
Apply for the D8/ER Visa at a Portuguese Consulate
You will need to apply online for an appointment at the Portuguese consulate in your current region. The exact documents required can change between regions. In most cases, the documents mentioned above will suffice.
Apply for a Residence Permit in Portugal
If you have entered Portugal with a D8 Visa, you must apply for a residence permit at the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) within four months. Required documents include a passport with a D8 Visa, proof of accommodation, proof of financial resources, and health insurance.
Receive and Renew or Extend Your Visa/Residence Permit
Temporary residence permits are granted to D8 visa holders, and last two years, they must be renewed for continued residency. Both the D8 and ER are extendable for up to five years. The short-term ER visa requires leaving the country after five years with no path to residency. In contrast, the long-term D8 visa can lead to permanent residency or citizenship after five years if legal requirements are met. Timely visa extensions are necessary to maintain lawful residency.
Apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship
After five years of residency based on the D8 visa, you may apply for Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship. Citizenship provides a Portuguese passport, freedom of movement within the EU, and voting rights, but you’ll need to demonstrate basic proficiency in Portuguese.
Timeline and Renewal for the Digital Nomad Visa
The document preparation phase generally takes between 30 and 60 days. The consulate process may require up to 60 days if all documents are correctly submitted. Delays are common with missing or incorrect documentation, as resubmissions may require in-person follow-ups. Once in Portugal, AIMA (formerly SEF) appointment wait times vary by location. In high-demand cities like Lisbon and Porto, appointments can take up to 180 days, whereas less populous areas may offer availability within 30 days.
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa follows the provided timeline:
- Years 1–2: The initial residence card is valid for two years.
- Years 3–5: Each renewal permit is valid for two years.
- Year 5 and Beyond: After five years, applicants who applied through the D8 visa are eligible to apply for either permanent residency or citizenship. Citizenship processing typically takes between 12 to 18 months.
Top Destinations: The Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Portugal
Lisbon
A prime choice for digital nomads, known for its tech-focused culture, strong digital infrastructure, mild climate, and vibrant community of international professionals. Living costs are reasonable, and the city offers a wide array of co-working spaces, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences.
Porto
Provides a more affordable alternative to Lisbon, with a scenic setting along the Douro River and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its historic architecture and active co-working scene, Porto attracts digital nomads looking for a creative, laid-back city experience.
Braga
Suitable for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with lower living costs and easy access to nature. It’s well-connected to surrounding national parks, providing a relaxing environment and the opportunity for a balanced work-life routine.
Madeira
Stands out with its stunning island landscapes and the Ponta do Sol digital nomad village, a dedicated community for remote workers with free coworking spaces and regular events. Its mild climate and natural beauty make it a unique destination for digital nomads.
Aveiro
A picturesque city often called the “Venice of Portugal” due to its canals and art nouveau architecture. It offers a serene, scenic environment and lower living costs, appealing to digital nomads who prefer a charming, smaller city setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step into a World of Possibilities
Discover the life-changing benefits of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa:
Portugal is ranked the #1 investment destination by PWC
Security is ranked #3 in the world by the Global Peace Index
Portugal ranked #1 in places to retire by International Living
Portugal ranked #1 most friendly country for expats by InterNations
Portugal ranked #3 for patient care and medical services by the World Index of Healthcare Innovation
Portugal ranked with Very high proficiency by the EF English Proficiency Index
Portugal is just a two-hour flight away from major European cities
Get citizenship after just 5 years
Citizenship is permanent and passes down to future generations
The Portuguese passport is the 6th strongest in the world, with 189 destinations visa-free
As a Portuguese citizen, you have the right to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in the European Union
Expertise You Can Count On
Why UAE and MENA-based clients trust us to help them with their Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa:
- We are a firm with an office and representatives in Dubai providing a convenient point of contact for all your needs.
- We specialize in the UAE market, so we know exactly what our Dubai-based clients need to make their Portuguese dreams come true.
- As certified immigration consultants and lawyers, we'll certify, apostille, and translate your documents, taking care of as much as possible on your behalf.